Bailey + Ralph: The Reception at Hotel Mont-Blanc

We felt that we had to share the reception details on its own post because everything was amazing -- from the food during cocktail hour to the main dinner menu. 

Following the ceremony, we all headed down to the reception venue -- the elegant Hotel Mont-Blanc Chamonix. The bride and groom hung out with us as champagne and food were passed around until they had to step out to get their photographs taken. In France, they don't joke around about their food. Each hors d'oeuvre was a work of art, and each bite brought culinary surprises. There were fried risotto balls that I will not forget for some time. And then there was escargot served in glass shooters. I thought I would hate eating snails, but I had seconds. Based on other guests' comments, the preparation certainly made the difference.

Some of the incredible hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour. There was an abundance of champagne, too. The one in the center right is escargot, which I surprisingly loved.

The whole atmosphere was upscale yet relaxed. It was great to hang out with our new acquaintances, who were also all traveling around Europe. 

Chatting over food and champagne while listening to live string music.

After cocktail hour, we proceeded to the formal dining room for more amazing food. At this point, we we've all had our share of appetizers. Once I saw the menu, I knew I would be having issues fitting all this food in my one and only stomach. I really wished I had an extra one. 

In the dining room, I was so taken by how beautiful the dinner table looked. All the glass, flowers, and the custom color macarons just exuded elegance. Being that we were in France, it felt like we were invited to one of the royal parties hosted by Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. 

The elegant table set-up. Each guests also got macarons. I ate mine before dinner. :)

This stately dining room set the tone for an epic foodie experience.

And then the food. Oh, good lord! This five-course meal with wine pairings, nonetheless, was an experience to be had.

A meal fit for royalty.

The four courses shown above were all excellent. Starting from the upper left going clockwise, our food journey that evening started with the amuse-bouch: truffle and mushroom ravioli. Then followed by the terrine of foie gras with a hazelnut cracker, which was a genius thing on its own. The main entree was lamb in awesome-sauce. Yes, that's my official name for the dish. I'm picky when it comes to lamb because of its gamey tendencies. No, this was so tender and the symphony of flavors were out of this world. Then the cheese course followed. This was the point when I started feeling unwell. One of the three cheeses was what I would classify under stinky cheese, and that was the straw that broke the camel's back, or in this case, my stomach. I had to excuse myself from dinner, and ultimately ended up almost passing out in the restroom. Nausea and clamminess took hold of me and just felt like my blood and energy was being sucked right out of me. My dear friend, Steph, thankfully was there to check in on me and help me get myself together just enough to move to one of the couches where the cocktail hour was held. 

Before this all went down, I was able to see the wedding "cake" brought in with all its sparkling glory. It was a croquembouche with giant sparklers going off while it was brought into the dining room. After they shared their wedding dessert, I couldn't even stay and stomach a single bite. It was tragic for me because I really wanted to take part in the last course.

Feeling ill aside, the reception was beyond great. We all got to celebrate Ralph and Bailey's special day with lots of champagne and wine and phenomenal food. Oh, and the toasts by the best man and matron of honor made us all laugh with their stories. It simply was a beautiful and an enjoyable celebration of the two most fun-loving people we know, who more than deserve the happiness and love they have found with each other. We are so honored to have shared that memorable occasion with everyone, and we will surely remember this whole experience with great fondness for a long, long time. <3